STENCIL "MAX SPEED 40 MPH" STICKER

Stencil 'MAX SPEED 40 MPH'

For canvas top

★ This marking was applied to vehicles stationed in the United Kingdom before and after D-Day, as a warning for left-hand drive traffic on British roads.

Application

This marking was primarily applied to jeeps and other military vehicles shipped via England to the ETO (European Theater of Operations), particularly during the period 1942-1945. The markings were required because American military vehicles were left-hand drive and had no indicators, which posed a danger on British roads with left-side traffic.

Installation notes

Position stencil on left side rear panel of canvas top. Apply with white paint (matt) or spray paint. For best results: stretch canvas tightly, secure stencil with tape, dab paint with sponge or apply thin spray coat. Remove stencil whilst paint is still slightly wet for sharp edges.

Compatibility

This marking was not applied to all jeeps — only to vehicles deployed via the UK. Vehicles shipped directly to other theatres (Pacific, Italy) generally did not carry this marking. After D-Day and during operations on the continent, these markings were sometimes removed or painted over.

Historical context

During WWII, American military vehicles shipped via England were fitted with these warning markings on the canvas. The '40 MPH' limit was a safety guideline for jeeps on British roads, as the vehicles were technically capable of higher speeds but this was not safe with the original tyres, brakes and road handling.